Letters to the editor: The keys to academic success

Published: March 9, 2014

Keys to academic success

Regarding John Grant’s “And pizza for all?” (Views, March 2:) I certainly would not like pizza for all.

After attending a rigorous private elementary and middle school, I entered high school motivated to perform to my fullest potential, independent of what my peers achieved. As a result of being diligent and driven, I accomplished many academic successes no others in my class had (such as winning the regional STEM fair). My consequent delight and pride led me to a realization: One’s sense of personal satisfaction is directly proportional to the amount of work put into an effort.

If we were to equalize everyone because some were at risk of feeling “inferior,” it takes away any incentive for those who are competent enough to overachieve and succeed. I believe that recognition of students’ feats does indeed bolster their motivation, and it can also be used to encourage others to work toward something that they too can take pride in and feel a sense of personal achievement.

Golda Shaw

Odessa

The writer is a junior at Steinbrenner High School.

Community pharmacists

As a community pharmacist, I wanted to call attention to a troubling lobbying effort by big health care in Washington. Pharmaceutical companies and chain drugstores are trying to limit the coverage of seniors with Medicare Part D drug plans.

Regulators at the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) are considering new rules that would expand pharmacy choice for those on Medicare. However, opponents of this rule are misleading policymakers and patients and disregarding the value that community pharmacists provide. CMS should allow any pharmacy that adheres to its standards to participate in Medicare’s preferred pharmacy networks. Our health-care industry must continue to embrace the critical role of providers, including pharmacists. It makes good medical sense for local community pharmacies to continue to provide hands-on advice to better our patients’ health and well-being.

Sabrina Madabhushi

Tampa

Improving traffic safety

Changing the speed limit to 75 mph will do nothing about those folks who think the center or left lanes on I-4 or other interstate highways are made just for them and their favorite speed of 55 mph or 60 mph and then they can talk on their phones more comfortably. These inconsiderate or non-attentive drivers cause more close calls because of their ignorance.

I have told many friends, especially other old ladies in my friendship circle, that if you are being passed on the right side or on both sides, you are in the wrong lane. We could also put signage at the entrances to Florida advising visitors that if they don’t know our driving rules, stop at the visitors’ welcome center to get a pamphlet with the latest changes.

June Ambrose

Plant City

SAT seating

A student at Steinbrenner High School, I recently took the SAT. I suffer from panic disorder, which often causes me to have panic attacks during testing situations such as the SAT. These attacks wreak havoc on my concentration and train of thought and cause considerable mental and physical pain.

To avoid this situation, I tried to procure independent seating arrangements via my guidance counselor and found it to be impossible.

Only those with severe learning disabilities — and evidence of it — can attain separate seating. Even if I were to say my panic disorder was a disability, so I could apply for separate seating, there would be little evidence of it, for my grades are above average.

Because of this situation, I feel that the school system does not provide equitable opportunities for all participants in the SAT.

The SAT is supposed to be an even playing field for everyone, and this should include those who suffer from panic disorder.

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